“Two of Us”

In a dream, I saw this image of a finished drawing, and when I awoke, I felt called to draw it.

I believe that reality contains possibilities other than what we currently perceive and that perhaps in some parallel universe, Paul McCartney and John Lennon continued making music together as they grew older.

This drawing represents John as he arrives at his 80th birthday, 40 years since his death in our time. Both Paul and John wear their age and time together.

As individuals, we are unique and bring diversity to the world. However, when two individuals come together, they often realize more than each could on their own. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In the music world, we recognize the creative power in the union of artists such as Lennon and McCartney, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Simon and Garfunkel—and the list goes on.

The “Two of Us” drawing celebrates this timeless power of two—and perhaps offers a window into an alternate place and time.

"Two of Us"
Preparatory study for the painting
50 x 38 inches
Charcoal on paper
Mark Balma
2020